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Mushahid urges EU to take notice of rights violations in IHK
ISLAMABAD: Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Tuesday urged the European Union and champions of human rights to take notice of the gross violations and atrocities committed by the Indian forces in the Indian-Occupied Kashmir (IOK).
He expressed these views in a meeting of the Functional Committee on Human Rights with European Union Special Representative to Pakistan (EUSR) for human rights Stavros Lambrinidis.
Mushahid presided over the meeting in the absence of Chairman of the Committee Afrasiab Khattak. Senators Farhatullah Babar and Suriya Amiruddin were also present on the occasion. National Assembly Human Rights Committee Chairman MNA Ch Mahmood Bashir Virk also attended the meeting. He welcomed the delegation and stated that Pakistan is committed to the promotion of human rights, rule of law and justice. He, however, pointed out that the negative narrative against Islam and racism in the West are a cause of concern for Muslims in Pakistan.
He expressed his satisfaction over collaboration between Pakistan and European Union on different issues and expressed hope that bilateral relations between them would further strengthen in future. Senator Mushahid also thanked the EU for its support to Pakistan on GSP Plus and stated that issues of human rights and rule of law are high on government’s agenda and it is making all-out efforts to address the issues. “Pakistan is the freest Muslim democracy in the Muslim world,” he remarked, adding that smooth transition of power from one elected democratic government to the next is a manifestation of the fact that Pakistan strongly believes in democracy and rule of law.
National Assembly Human Rights Committee Chairman Ch Mahmood Bashir Virk said that overwhelming majority of the country wants rule of law and non-discrimination on the basis of colour, creed or religion. The constitution of Pakistan, he said, guarantees human rights and there exists an independent judiciary and vibrant civil society in the country.
Senators Farhatullah Babar and Suriya Amiruddin also expressed their views. Senator Babar said that Pakistan is a signatory to different human rights conventions. He pointed out that the violations of human rights by Indian forces in IOK need to be taken notice of. Senator Suriya said that policies are being framed to bring women into the mainstream.
Earlier, European Union Special Representative to Pakistan (EUSR) for human rights Stavros Lambrinidis informed the members of the committee about the purpose of his visit. He said that this visit provided him an opportunity to interact with policy makers, media community and political leadership, and exchange views on matters relating to human rights and rule of law.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk